Discover the Best Viewpoints in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to some of the tallest peaks on the East Coast –– and breathtaking doesn’t even come close to capturing the beauty of these mountains. 

Characterized by dense forests that cover the gently rounded mountain tops, this area of the Appalachian Mountains stretches from just north of the Potomac River in Virginia all the way down to Northern Georgia. Along the way, there are several amazing viewpoints to visit. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best spots to stop and take in the view.

1. Cahas Knob Overlook

At more than 3,500 feet in elevation, the Cahas Mountain is one of the most iconic peaks within Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. To get the best view of this mountain, come from the Cahas Knob Overlook which is located at milepost 139 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the overlook, you’ll get a panoramic view of the hills of Franklin County and the magnificent Cahas Mountain in the distance. It is also a wonderful place for a picnic as you make your way through the parkway.

2. Mill Mountain Overlook

Also located in Virginia is the Mill Mountain Overlook. At this spot, visitors can take in the views of the Roanoke skyline, framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. This is also the location of the Roanoke Star, a large free-standing illuminated star that you must see if you’re visiting the area. 

3. Pine Tree Overlook

Located at milepost 95.2 on the parkway, this scenic overlook is named after the famed pine tree that sits along the mountainside. Pine Tree Overlook is another lovely viewpoint you won’t want to miss in the Virginia mountains. It offers views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain range, as well as the nearby valley and farmlands.

4. Linn Cove Viaduct

The Linn Cove Viaduct, an award-winning complex concrete bridge, was designed by architects to preserve the integrity of the land. This was the last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be completed and perfectly blends into the mountainside while conserving the natural habitat of Grandfather Mountain. While visitors cannot stop along the bridge itself, there is a visitor’s center nearby where you can talk to a ranger and grab a map to plan your hike along the Tanawha Trail. 

5. Elk Mountain Overlook

Offering long-range views of the Yadkin Valley, the Elk Mountain Overlook is located in Boone, NC. At an elevation of 3,795 feet, this viewpoint is one of the most popular stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise over the mountaintops or visit during the autumn months and experience the Blue Ridge Mountains in its most splendid form as the leaves begin to change colors. 

Want to learn other ways to explore the charming Carolina mountains? 

Check out our blogs on the Best Hiking Trails and The Best Mountain Biking Trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains to plan your next mountain adventure.

6. Rough Ridge Lookout

If you want to find dramatic views of Grandfather Mountain and the Linn Cove Viaduct, Rough Ridge Lookout is just the spot. Located in the Pisgah National Forest, this lookout is part of the 13-mile Tanawha trail, which connects Julian Price Park to the Beacon Heights hiking area. From the parking area, visitors can take a short hike to reach the summit, which sits at an elevation of 4,773 feet. Once at the top, there are benches and big boulders to relax on while enjoying the views.

7. Mount Mitchell Viewpoint 

Being the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, the view from Mount Mitchell is unparalleled. Once in Mount Mitchell State Park, there is a short, quarter-mile paved hike that visitors will need to make their way to the Observation Deck. This is the perfect location for marveling at the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearby, there is also a restaurant, gift shop, and “porch” area with rustic rocking chairs to sit back and relax while appreciating the vistas.

8. Linville Falls 

Visit some of the most well-known waterfalls in the state of North Carolina while hiking through the lush forest at Linville Falls. Along the hike, three different viewpoints allow for unique perspectives of the waterfalls. Both trailheads begin at the Linville Falls Visitors Center, located at milepost 316 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Although not a strenuous hike, the trail can get crowded, so plan to be there early or during the week to avoid large groups.

9. Black Balsam Knob

Located in the Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, the Black Balsam Knob offers visitors another wonderful opportunity to relish in the 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near milepost 420, you can stop at the parking area for the Art Loeb trail and make your way through roughly one mile of wooded and rocky terrain to the top of the bald. Once at the top, there is a large, grassy area where you can see other neighboring peaks from afar. 

10. Craggy Pinnacle 

Just a short, mile-long hike to the top of Craggy Pinnacle at Craggy Gardens offers another one of the best viewpoints in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Found at milepost 364.1, about 25 minutes from downtown Asheville, this beautiful path takes you through fields of native wildflowers, rhododendron, and sweet birch trees. In the summer, you can even find fresh blueberries growing on bushes along the trail. Once at the top, there are two overlooks where you can see Mount Mitchell, North Fork, and the Craggy Gardens visitor center.

Live the Mountain Life at The Cliffs

The mountains can be the ultimate retreat for those looking to get away from urban life. The peaceful serenity of the outdoors is both therapeutic and invigorating, inviting you to explore every nook and cranny of the land around you. And while you may have already considered making them your home, there is no better time to discover all of the amazing luxury investment opportunities waiting for you at The Cliffs –– a premier private community located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Whether you want to be tucked away in a mountain cottage, close to a premier golf course, or have a grand estate resting along the edge of a lake, you’ll be sure to find everything you are looking for out at one of our seven private communities. Each boasts a unique lifestyle and set of amenities for members that make mountain living extraordinary. 

We invite you to take a closer look at all of the available homesites, perfect for building your dream home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or turn-key luxury properties ready for you to call home. If you would like to request additional information about The Cliffs, contact us by clicking below.